Johnston and Murphy Shoes: An American Classic
July 31, 2024BruceDayne
Johnston and Murphy shoes have been around for over 170 years, and in that time, they've become one of the most well-known and respected American shoe companies.
Their shoes are made with high-quality materials and are known for their durability and comfort – no surprise they have been worn by some of the most stylish men.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn everything you need to know about Johnston and Murphy shoes!
We'll be covering:
- A History Of Johnston and Murphy Shoes For Men
- Are Johnston And Murphy Shoes Good Quality?
- Are Johnston and Murphy Shoes Worth The Money?
- What Are The Best Johnston And Murphy Shoes?
#1 A History Of Johnston and Murphy Shoes For Men
The Beginning: 1850 – 1900
Johnston and Murphy was founded in 1850 by William J. Johnston and James A. Murphy. At the time, it was one of the only shoe companies in America that focused exclusively on men's shoes.
The company started off small but quickly gained a reputation for making high-quality, reliable shoes. In fact, President Abraham Lincoln was a fan of Johnston and Murphy shoes, often wearing a pair of their boots when he traveled.
The company continued to grow throughout the 1800s, eventually becoming one of America's leading shoemakers. They produced all sorts of different types of shoes – from dress shoes to work boots – and their products were sold all over the country.
The 1900s: Innovation and growth
The 1900s were a time of great innovation for Johnston and Murphy. In 1910, they became one of the first shoe companies to use Goodyear welt construction in their shoes. This made their shoes even more durable and comfortable.
In 1925, Johnston and Murphy took on the slogan “The best shoes anybody can buy.” – which really cemented them as a force to be reckoned with in the world of shoemaking.
Throughout the rest of the 1900s, Johnston and Murphy continued to grow and innovate as they introduced their first line of casual shoes – which were an instant hit with consumers.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Johnston and Murphy began to focus on opening stores in Airports across America – a move that only aided their growth and helped to solidify their position as one of America's most loved shoemakers.
#2 Are Johnston And Murphy Shoes Good Quality?
In short: yes.
Johnston and Murphy shoes are known for their high-quality construction and durability.
They use only the best materials in their shoes, and their products are built to last.
If you're looking for a pair of shoes that will last for years, Johnston and Murphy is definitely a brand you should consider.
The Goodyear Welt Construction: How It Makes Shoes Durable
One of the reasons Johnston and Murphy shoes are so well-made is because many of their shoes feature a Goodyear welt construction.
What this means is that the upper part of the shoe – the part that goes over your toes – is sewn onto the sole of the shoe using a special stitching technique. This makes the shoe much more durable, as it's less likely to come apart at the seams.
In fact, many people believe that Goodyear welted shoes are actually more durable than sneakers or running shoes, as those types of shoes often have problems with wear and tear.
The Materials Used In Johnston And Murphy Shoes
Johnston & Murphy uses only the finest materials in their shoes.
Their leather is sourced from the best tanneries in the Europe, and their soles are made with a high-quality rubber/leather that's built to last.
In general, Johnston and Murphy shoes are made of genuine leather – a grade of leather that's common in most leather products on the market at this price point. Sure, genuine leather isn't the highest grade out there, but it's still a good quality leather that will last for years if it's properly cared for.
Where Are Johnston And Murphy Shoes Made?
All Johnston and Murphy shoes are not made in the United States – although their HQ is located in Tennessee.
Unfortunately, the company ended its US-based manufacturing in 2017 in favor of exporting its production to foreign countries. Some men consider this to be a deal breaker – however, I think it's worth noting that the company still sources its materials from high-quality vendors, and there hasn't been a substantial dip in quality since the changeover.
#3 Are Johnston and Murphy Shoes Worth The Money?
In my opinion, yes – they are worth the money.
A standard set of Johnston and Murphy shoes will set you back around $150, which is pretty darn reasonable when you consider the brand's quality heritage and proven reliability.
I own a lot of different shoes – from $50 pairs to $500 pairs. Do Johnston and Murphy shoes stack up at the top end of my collection? No; but they're certainly nowhere near the bottom!
I think it's important to keep in mind that Johnston and Murphy shoes are meant to be a mid-priced option. They're not the cheapest on the market, but they're also not the most expensive.
For me, Johnston and Murphy strike a perfect balance of quality and price – which is why I believe they're definitely worth a try if you're looking for a new pair of formal shoes.
I haven't had much experience with their more casual range. However, I've heard good things.
#4 What Are The Best Johnston And Murphy Shoes?
Undoubtedly, there are three styles of Johnston and Murphy shoes that stand out for me. They represent the best in timeless men's footwear and would suit any man looking to up his style game.
Conard Cap Toe
The Conard Cap Toe shoe is a classic oxford that features a traditional cap toe design. It's a shoe that can be dressed up or down, and it would look great with a suit or jeans.
The Conard is made of Italian Calfskin leather and has a Goodyear welt construction. It also has a rubberized sole for all-day-long comfort.
Personally, I'd opt for the brogued version of this Oxford. As you guys know by now, brogueing offers more versatility than classic plain oxfords, as you can also wear them with jeans and a jacket.
Pick up a pair of these for around the $150 price point.
Lewis Cap Toe
With a full-grain upper, you really can't go wrong with the Lewis Cap Toe Derby shoe.
For those that don't know, full-grain leather comes from the strongest part of an animal's skin, so you know that any shoe made with it is going to be of a decent quality.
The shoe itself features a Derby design with slight brogueing on the toe and heel.
Despite the more informal look of the Derby design, I'd actually say these are more formal than the Conard Cap Toe Oxfords I mentioned above. Buy them in black, and you've got a pair of shoes that wouldn't look out of place in any Wallstreet CEO's office.
What's more, the Lewis Cap Toe Derby shoe actually comes in cheaper at around $99.
Meade Cap Toe Dress Shoe
Looking for class? Looking for sophistication? Then look no further than the Meade Cap Toe dress shoe.
This style of Johnston and Murphy shoes is for the man that means business. It's a shoe that oozes power and authority, and it would look great with any suit or tuxedo.
The Meade Cap Toe is made of hand-finished Italian leather with very minimal detailing – making it perfect for black tie events and the most formal of office environments.
Just like the other two shoes on this list, it also has a rubber and leather sole to offer perfect comfort after long wear.
To summarize
If you're looking for a blend of tradition and innovation in your footwear, Johnston and Murphy have over 170 years of experience crafting shoes that embody quality, durability, and classic American elegance. Whether it's the robust Conard Cap Toe or the sophisticated Meade Cap Toe Dress Shoe, their range offers style, comfort, and durability.
Despite some concerns about shifting manufacturing overseas, rest assured, Johnston and Murphy maintain their commitment to high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Their shoes are not just purchases—they are wise investments in quality that stands the test of time.
So, if you value reliable, stylish footwear at a reasonable price, Johnston and Murphy should be at the top of your list. Their offerings will not only enhance your wardrobe but will also serve you well at formal events and in everyday elegance, truly reflecting their storied heritage and modern appeal.
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